Summer Seasonal Employment Tips
We may already be halfway through another beautiful U.P. summer, but it’s not too late to secure some seasonal work during these warmer months. Seasonal employment is a form of temporary employment that is active only for a limited amount of time often dependent on the climate or an employer’s specific project. This type of work covers a range of skills, so whether you’re an active person, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking to generate some extra income, there’s something for everyone!
How can a summer job help you?
Seasonal employment is work without the long-term commitment, and depending on your life situation this can be an ideal way to fill an employment gap. If you’re a student looking to gain experience over the summer, or interested in a career change, this type of work allows you to work around other existing plans while boosting your resume. Seasonal jobs can be a great way to gain experience in a new industry or try something new before jumping in full-time. They are also a great way to get involved in your community, make new connections, and you might even get a call back next year!
What kind of seasonal work is available?
Nature Lovers – Many parks in the U.P. are open just seasonally during the summer and partial fall months, and they are in need of staff to run things in this limited window! These positions come in the form of park maintenance, camp counselors, arborists, and grounds keepers at places like summer camps or the Department of Natural Resources. Some positions require experience, but often these roles will train on the job and can be the pathway into more work later.
Ground Maintenance – Think mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, and keeping outdoor spaces in tip top condition. Similar to parks, places like cemeteries and golf courses need staff uniquely during the summer to tend to these spaces.
Tourism – The U.P. sees over one million seasonal visitors very summer, and many businesses open up just for that reason from spring to fall. If you are knowledgeable on the history in the area, you could play to this strength! There are many museums that hire seasonally such as The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum or Quincy Mine in Houghton. Places like these offer fantastic opportunities to get valuable experience that can easily support a greater career. Kayaking and boat tours are another great way to connect with this part of the U.P. economy, and looking for the businesses that offer these tours to inquire about needed guides is a good place to start.
Service Industry – Speaking of that seasonal tourism, we can’t forget about all the eats and treats that pop up in the summer around these attractions. In the U.P. especially, ice cream shops, bars, and cafes hire new or additional staff to meet the demands of extra visitors, and how much fun would it be to dish out ice cream to happy people? Checking with local snack shops near you to see if they are hiring is a good bet.
Retail & Seasonal Stores – In addition to seasonal restaurants, there are also often a variety of seasonal shops and stores open during this time of year. If you are great at customer service maybe retail is for you. Tourist stores, ice cream vendors, food trucks and even many restaurants hire additional help with the tourist season coming up. Additionally, many year-round stores will hire additional staff during busy tourist seasons to keep up with demand.
Seasonal summer employment is abundant in the Upper Peninsula (and so is winter seasonal employment when the time comes)! If you are interested in learning more about opportunities in your area or need some guidance with tailoring your resume and application to meet the needs of the job you want, U.P. Michigan Works! is here to help. Come visit us today to get started!